ALL-INCLUSIVE TRAVEL

By definition: An all-inclusive resort is a holiday resort that includes at a minimum lodging, three meals daily, soft drinks, most alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and possibly other services in the price. Many also offer sports and non-motorized watersports and other activities that are included in the price as well. They are often located in warmer regions of the world, particularly in the Caribbean. The all-inclusive model originated in the French Club Med resorts, which were founded by the Belgian Gérard Blitz in 1950.

Some all-inclusive resorts are designed for specific vacation interests. For example, certain resorts cater to adults, while even more specialized properties accept couples only. Other all-inclusive resorts are geared toward families, with facilities like craft centers, games rooms, and water parks to keep children of all ages entertained. All-inclusive resorts are also very popular locations for destination weddings. (Wikipedia)

BUT IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

To answer that question, I've listed some Pros and Cons...

PROS:

Everything Is Included: Everything you need is at your fingertips without having to carry your wallet. As soon as the staff sees that coveted neon wristband strapped to your arm, there is nothing you can't do. Leave your wallet in your room safe, not in your pocket or beach bag.

Convenience: All-inclusive resorts are highly convenient. They provide round-trip transportation from the airport to the resort. Lounge chairs, pool towels, and umbrellas are available at all of the resort's swimming holes, and while you're lounging at the beach or pool, there's no need to get up for a drink, as servers are always on call, collecting orders for any beverage that you desire.

Food and Beverage: Buffets are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not to mention the poolside grills, ice cream shops, and specialty restaurants that often include Asian cuisine, seafood dinners, and all-American steakhouses. Feel like staying in for the night or eating breakfast in bed? A fully stocked minibar and room service are available 24 hours a day at most resorts.

Activities: All-inclusive resorts offer a wide array of activities for all guests. From oceanfront yoga and water aerobics to nightly entertainment and occasionally casinos, there's truly something for everyone. Special activities exist for your little ones as well. Certain activities like jet skiing and spa treatments generally come at an additional cost but in many cases are worth the price.

Economical: When you plan a vacation, going over budget is an easy thing to do. Booking all-inclusive eliminates worries of breaking the bank. Once the purchase button is pressed, you know how much your vacation will cost. Many packages even include airfare, making the deal that much sweeter.

Good For First-Time Travelers: New to traveling and nervous about planning a vacation on your own? Going all-inclusive is a perfect option. Simply book your dates, board that plane, and upon arrival, you will realize you never have to leave the resort. All-inclusive hotels come in all shapes and sizes. Some are family-friendly, while others are strictly for adults and couples. Find the one that suits your needs and rest assured the only thing you will worry about is how to split your time between relaxation and action-packed activities.

When you go...

You might think that all-inclusive resorts are perfect for you, or maybe not. If you're smart about it, you can really experience the best of both worlds.

Leave the Resort: Just because everything is included doesn't mean you have to stay put! The first thing to do is consider your location. Choose an all-inclusive resort that is not nestled miles away from a major city or village. Pick a destination that is a quick cab ride to local restaurants, shopping, and activities that will allow you to embrace the culture, get a taste of some history, and get a glimpse into everyday life at your destination.

Ask For Advice: Talk to your Travel Agent about what you're looking for in your vacation. He/She can give recommendations of things to do and see while at your destination. Alos talk to friends and/or family who have traveled there before, and find out what they loved most about their visit. Once there, ask your hotel staff. Staff members are all locals and can often recommend surprising places to visit that even websites like TripAdvisor might not be aware of. Finally, don't forget to visit the concierge . . . that's what they're there for! Get out there and eat the most authentic food in town, meet the locals, and barter with vendors selling handmade goods at straw markets.

Book Excursions: If you're uncomfortable venturing out on your own, there are plenty of excursions available to book that will whisk you away from the beach and bring you to ancient ruins, show you interesting museums, or even take you on a guided ATV tour. These excursions are extremely convenient since they usually begin and end at your resort. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, rent a car and explore on your own. Grab a GPS or a map and hit the road, making your own adventure.

Do Your Research: If you want to leave hotel grounds, it is absolutely essential to do your due diligence. Do your research before picking a destination. Make sure your resort is in an area of town that is safe to travel solo without the supervision of a guide. If you want to get out and explore new territory, pick a resort that is close to a popular town or city.

CONS:

Less Authentic: Many all-inclusive experiences are less authentic than staying in a hotel in the center of the city. These resorts cater to the masses and provide their clientele (mostly from North America and Europe) with food, activities, and accommodations they find appealing. The food won't necessarily reflect the cuisines perfected by your chosen destination. If you choose to leave the hotel, it might take a while to truly escape the resort-like atmosphere. Since many all-inclusive hotels are bundled together, it can sometimes be a bit of a trek to get to an authentic neighborhood and is probably not within walking distance.

Crowds: The sheer size of most all-inclusive resorts shows how many people can stay at the property, which can create a competitive environment. If you want to eat at one or all of those specialty restaurants, you must make a reservation. These restaurants are extremely popular and likely a better option than one of the buffets. So make your reservations early - and not just early in the day. I suggest making all reservations, from specialty restaurants to spa treatments, upon arrival. This is the ultimate way to beat your competition.

Noise: All-inclusive resorts can be extremely loud. Obviously, if you are staying at a family-friendly hotel, the sound of screaming, splashing, happy children echos for miles. Conversely, if you choose an adults-only resort, there is often music blasting so loud you can barely hear yourself think. You also may have to deal with obnoxiously loud people who do not take the open bar for granted.

Too Big: If you're looking for an intimate beachside vacation, an all-inclusive option is probably not for you. Sometimes the grounds are so large that shuttles exist to take you from your room to the beach or from the pool to the casino.

You Don't Experience Where You Are: It is easy to get wrapped up in the amenities of your resort, and you may never leave the property'. You may have had an awesome vacation, but never really experienced the local people and culture. Once you experience a few all-inclusive resorts, they all start to feel the same, regardless of whether you're in the Bahamas or Mexico. If you always stay all-inclusive, eventually it feels like you could be anywhere.

The Fine Print: Read the fine print. Although your resort is all-inclusive, not everything is actually included. Every resort has its own list of amenities that come at an extra cost, but keep an eye out for things like off-property excursions, spa treatments, and motorized water sports. You might also find that many of these resorts charge an additional fee for the use of WiFi, telephone services, laundry, and certain top-shelf liquors. Before you book, make sure you fully understand what you're getting for your money and decide if the included amenities are worth it. Most of the time they are .

Why choose an all-inclusive resort?

Really, you should be asking yourself “why not”? Yes, the package price makes them convenient; but it’s really about the experience. These resorts go above and beyond to provide you with excellent service. Think butlers, 24-hour room service and more. Organized activities and kids’ clubs make them great destinations for families. And although adults-only resorts or adults-only sections can’t guarantee romance, they do make it a lot more likely.